Discover Palais Lascaris: A Hidden Baroque Gem In Old Nice

Step back into the 17th century at Palais Lascaris, a stunning Baroque palace in Old Nice. Explore grand rooms, beautiful frescoes and a world-class collection of musical instruments.

Often hidden in plain sight, this stunning 17th-century aristocratic residence is absolutely a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a window into the luxurious lifestyle of Nice’s nobility.

Whether you are a history lover, an art lover or simply looking for the best places to visit in Nice, the Palais Lascaris is that site you should not miss!

What Is the Palais Lascaris?

Built in the mid-17th century for the noble Vintimille-Lascaris family, the palace served as a private residence before being transformed into a municipal museum.

Located at 15 Rue Droite, it stands as a testament to the influence of the House of Savoy, which combines authentic Genoese-style Baroque art with the charm of the French Riviera.

Why Should You Visit Palais Lascaris?

It might occur to you that why you should consider visiting to this ancient architectural site, well there are some obvious reasons, which are listed below:

Stunning Baroque Architecture

As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a breathtaking grand staircase, adorned with statues and intricate architecture.

Built in the mid-17th century for the noble Vintimille-Lascaris family, the palace served as a private residence before being transformed into a municipal museum. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a breathtaking grand staircase, adorned with statues and intricate architecture. Credits: Google

17th & 18th-Century Interiors

As you climb upstairs, you will notice that the upper floors feature perfectly preserved rooms filled with frescoes, ornate ceilings, tapestries and period furniture.

The 17th-century rooms features Genoese-style frescoes and niches containing statues of mythological figues and family ancestors. Credits: Google

Unique Musical Instruments

The museum houses one of the most important collections of musical instruments in France, which was donated by the Gautier-Dauphin collection.

The Palais Lascaris houses a world-class collection of over 500 ancient musical instruments, making it the second most important collection in France. One of the rarest pieces found here is of an early trombone by Anton Schnitzer, Nuremberg, 1581. Credits: Google

Cultural History

It provides a fascinating look into how the nobility loved, including a display of ancient, albeit uncomfortable, women’s clothing.

Also Read: The Trophy Of Augustus: A 2,000 Year Old Symbol Of Victory

A Quick Cultural Escape

If you are short on time, the Palais Lascaris is an ideal stop. You can explore the entire palace in roughly 30 to 60 minutes, making it a perfect quick cultural break between exploring the Cours Saleya market and strolling the Promenade des Anglais.

Most visitors find that spending around 45 minutes or an hour is sufficient enough to explore all the floors of Palas Lascaris. Also, as this site is entirely indoors, it's a popular and effective choice for escaping the rain or the midday summer heat. Credits: Google

Valuable Tips For Your Visit

The best time to visit Palais Lascaris is mid-morning to avoid larger afternoon crowds. Generally, it is quite affordable compared to other major museums in the area.

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French Riviera, Palais Lascaris